An Amalgam of Days in the Life of a Teacher

In math, students had to determine what fraction of a rectangle was shaded. They debated whether it was 1/3 or 1/4. (The rectangle was cut into three parts – 1/2 and 2/4. The shaded part was 1/4 of the whole.)

I had to bite my tongue not to interfere in their conversation. Instead, I listened and asked some questions afterwards. Still learning how to do this.

Meanwhile, a group was playing a math game and, to make it more fun, so they said, they added a gambling component. Needless to say, that was not the objective of the game. Although, I could find their initiative and creativity admirable, I’ll leave those musings for another time.

One of my students reminded me that we did not have an art class this week…again. I am always amazed who notices what in the class. This week I will have to carry out the art plan I’ve been forced to postpone on more than one occasion.

Two snowballs were getting married off by my students during recess. They attempted to make one bigger than the other because, of course, the groom had to be taller and the groom is always a boy even though we’ve had discussions about gender identification.

Unfortunately, the snow balls melted before the marriage ceremony could take place.

A colleague came to talk with me at the end of the day.

I was in the middle of sorting through student assignments and was annoyed at the interruption. Nevertheless, I ended up enjoying our conversation and picked up a few ideas I could use in my classroom.

I packed lightly when I left school. Despite thinking that I have another 8 hours of work time when I get home, personal experience has taught me otherwise.

I tried out a new class at the gym and I liked it!

I went to the public library.

I look forward to sharing new books with my students, even though it has been difficult to find titles that the majority of this class will want to read. Most of the children prefer graphic novels; they rarely venture outside their comfort zone.

When I got home, I left my backpack next to the garage door.

I didn’t bring it up to the den like I always do just in case I want to catch up on school work. I rarely do. Still learning.

Today was a day much like many others: typical, but scattered with unusual moments and opportunities for reflection.

What does a typical day look like for you?